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Saturday, January 31, 2015

For christmas, my wonderful brother and sister-in-law got Adam and I tickets to Sam Smith. We went this past Monday and it was the best concert I've seen in the longest time. I can 100% say that his voice was better in person than on his album. If you have the opportunity to see him live, you must go.

So, everyone knows Sam Smith's songs, but I came across this version of his song the other day and it's great too. For today, since it's Saturday and you can be as lazy as you want, I suggest you go listen to Sam Smith and all his songs and then go listen to this song. Enjoy people. I hope your Saturday rocks!

Friday, January 30, 2015

Yes, you read that title right. I made bread, paleo bread! This is a huge break in the paleo lifestyle for me. Bread is definitely something I've been missing and I'm really glad I found a delicious recipe for those moments when all I want is a sandwich. Now, warning, just because it's paleo doesn't mean it's as good for you as green veggies :) but as my dad has always said, everything in moderation. So when you're craving bread, you go girl, you make that paleo bread and you love it.

The recipe was pretty easy and my house smelled incredible. I'm pretty sure there is nothing better than the smell of bread baking in the oven. Maybe the smell of red wine while you're baking bread, but regardless, bread. (if you're counting, bread was said 9 times, now 10 times in this post, you're welcome).

Okay, what you've been waiting for, the recipe!

Ingredients:

3/4 cup almond butter

5 eggs

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup ground flaxseed meal

3 tablespoons coconut flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

How to make:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine almond butter (I heated mine up a bit to make it easier to stir), eggs, coconut oil, honey and apple cider vinegar together with a hand blender.

In a separate bowl, mix together the flaxseed, coconut flour, baking soda and salt.

Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

Pour the dough into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes until browned.

Remove from oven and allow loaf to cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy for up to one week. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Happy #throwbackthursday everyone! It's almost the end of the week, which means it's almost the weekend! Get ready for a super mushy post everyone because that's exactly what this is and that's exactly what I like!

Today marks 100 days until I am officially a Mrs! 100 days until the official name change. 100 days until the biggest day of our lives! If you cannot tell, I am so pumped. In honor of the 100 day wedding countdown, I thought I would post some of my favorite throwbacks with Adam. It's been a fabulous 4+ years and I cannot wait for our wedding!

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Banana pancakes. No, not that stupid I mean creative Jack Johnson song, I mean (flourless) banana pancakes. Adam and I had a super lazy Saturday, made some Nespresso lattes (with almond milk) and settled in with these pancakes. I really have nothing else to say about these except you will love them, they are delicious and when you make them, please share your pictures! Enjoy everyone. These are the best. Here's the original, I changed it a tiny bit, so my recipe is below! Ours made about 10 pancakes!

Ingredients:

2 cups ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)

2 eggs

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon almond butter

pinch of salt

coconut oil for frying

How to Make:

In a large bowl, mash the bananas using a potato masher or a fork, leaving some small chunks, I prefer big chunks.

Heat the oil in a pan on medium low and spoon approximately ¼ cup of batter per pancake into the pan.

Cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until it feels slightly firm.

Top withalmond butter and berries. Or homemade maple syrup, or bananas and honey, or hell, grab the whipped cream and chocolate chips. I don't care what you top it with, these are so good that everything will taste good!

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

One of the best parts about the Bachelor are all the hilarious and stupid things the girls say and this season is no exception. Not only is Chris full of quotes and perfectly posed stares but the girls are equally full of crap. Here are my favorite 6 quotes from The Bachelor, Episode 4.

1. "Do you believe in aliens?" I think we can all agree it's time for Mackenzie to go home. Ps. This picture is from the Bachelor facebook, you can blame them for not knowing how to spell 'believe.'

2. "I want to be myself so bad, but I'm so shy with him." Cue Ashley I. taking off her bikini top.

3. "What are you? What are you? I know you're a scorpio, but I don't care about that. Look at the moon. Its so weird to me and we're sitting here, like that's weird to me. <insert her kissing him, twice> I mean, I just love you Chris, I love everything about you, I know that sounds crazy. I actually do feel like that. I hope that resonates within your mind tonight. You do't have to say anything, in regards that." Ashley S. aka onion girl.

4. "Are her muscles bigger than Chris?" There was something else Carly compared after this, but this is a family blog, I'll leave that to your google search :)

5. "If this doesn't work, I might be a little concerned about my potential in life." -Chris. Oh dear Chris, I hate to break it to you, but if Josh and Andi can't make it work, then I'm pretty sure all future bachelor relationships are doomed. But cheers, best wishes, my advice? Get Ashley I and Ashley S outa here. But hey, way to throw down the hammer.

6. "Her mouth is not a virgin." Oh Carly, you've got all the quotes today.

Monday, January 26, 2015

One of my favorite things bloggers do is tell their readers a little about them. Here’s why. For me, I spend 20 minutes a day (at least) reading my favorite blogs, and sometimes I feel like I really know the writer. So, it’s fun when they do a get-to-know me post because then I can be more of a stalker, I mean reader. So for all you readers out there, here are 21 random facts about me.

21 Random Facts:

Henry, my dog, is my first love. Thank goodness he’s bionic and will never die.

Painting my nails is one of my favorite pastimes. I paint and repaint them about 3x a week.

I love planners. At one point in 2014, I had 3. Have no fear; I’ve narrowed it down to just 1 for 2015.

Cards are my favorite part of birthdays. A present without a card isn’t nearly as exciting to me.

I’ve never been skydiving, but it’s on my bucket list.

My favorite food is pizza. Pretty much any kind. Fancy or frozen, I love it all.

My secret dream job is to be a professional organizer. Don’t get that confused with cleaner/maid. I don’t want to pick up your dirty clothes; I want to organize your clean ones (and cabinets, kitchens and everything else).

I curl my hair every day. No, these golden curls are not natural. Neither is the golden part, anymore. Getting old sucks.

I still regularly watch the Disney Channel.

Chrissy Teigan is my favorite celeb.

I wear a size 9 shoe.

I overuse emojis in my texts.

I’ve lived in 5 states in 27 years. Is that a lot? It seems like a lot.

I’ve never been to Africa; it’s on my bucket list. Those who’ve been…suggestions?

My favorite place in the whole world is Florence, Italy. I studied there in college. You all should go to Italy, right now, go!

I like almost all foods, except I don’t enjoy cold shrimp or canned salmon.

I have blue eyes, and in 7th grade I wore blue contacts to make them bluer. I was so cool.

I cry at most commercials.

I can't wink.

I love singing in the car. It's weird, I'm the next Mariah Carey, but when someones in the car with me, I'm suddenly tone-deaf, it's the weirdest thing.

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Paleo Energy Balls. Cue the jokes about deflate-gate, the Patriots and Tom Brady's claim that "he likes the balls the way they are," cuz let's be honest, I'm sure Tommy would like these balls too and I promise they are not deflated.... Okay enough with the corny football jokes, back to the cooking.

If you're new around here, Adam's biggest issue with the paleo lifestyle is the lack of snacks. Back in the day, pre-paleo, snacks were abundant. Chips and salsa, cereal, popcorn, you name it, Adam loved it. Paleo makes snacking a little more difficult, so I knew when I found this recipe, it would be an instant hit! These are so easy to make, and so damn delicious. Next time I might even get a little crazy and press them into bars! (They might just be better than Lara Bars, can you believe it?!) We finished these babies off in 4 days, so maybe next time I'll double the recipe! Enjoy peeps! I promise yo'll have energy for hours after eating one of these! Ingredients:

1/2 cup almonds

1/2 cup cashews

1 1/2 cups Medjool dates, pitted

Juice from 2 limes

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut

How to Make:

Add the almonds and cashews to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until nuts are finely chopped (but do not pulse too long, you do not want the nuts to turn into a paste).

Add the dates, lime juice and coconut. Pulse until the dates are finely chopped and the mixture starts to clump.

Friday, January 23, 2015

The best of friends are the ones that listen when you vent, pour wine when you have a bad day, let you cry during commercials and send you quotes when you really need some inspiration. I'm so lucky I have one of those friends. Happy Friday people, I hope you have the best day and the best weekend. Let's make it a good one.

Breath deep. You may not love what you are doing now but you are building a toolset that will lead to amazing things. -Jana Bek

Thursday, January 22, 2015

I know what you're thinking, wow, there are a lot of ingredients in this soup. Well have no fear, it might look daunting but it's worth it. I know I say this a lot but this soup is my new fav. It's more than flavorful, has tons of veggies and will feed you for days. Enjoy! Ingredients:

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

It's been a cold winter, there's no getting around that. What better way to warm up then to drink some delicious whiskey cocktails? Adam and I were in Omaha a while back and did some day drinking with our friends. They took us to this new bar, Grane, in midtown. It was so cozy, had great bartenders and very delicious cocktails. For all my Omaha friends, you need to get there immediately. For my non-Omaha readers, go, it's one of the many amazing places to enjoy in Omaha.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

The Bachelor provides a pretty expansive wealth of knowledge. Things the girls say, things Chris says and we can't forget all of Chris Harrison's wonderful quotes. For example things I've learne, drinking to the point of drunkenness will get you a rose. Telling the guy you're dating he has a huge nose, will get you a rose. Dressing in white lace and being a WWE diva will not get you a rose. But onto week 3, here are five things I learned while watching the Bach and an update for those of you who missed the last couple episodes!

If you're the bachelor, famous people are forced to hang out with you or be a guest on the show. So, if you want to meet famous people, become the next bachelor or bachelorette.

If you can shop at Costco and be a fun girl on a "real life" date with cameras, producers and someone else's money, you will get a rose.

Goat milk straight off the teet is warm and salty. Ew.

Accessories are a must at a bachelor pool party. If you don't have a headband, sarong, false lashes, high heels or a super sad story, you lose.

Kissing = confidence? Apparently not for everyone, see Ashley I for reference.

SPOLIER ALERT: The girls who didn't play it right and got eliminated are: Tracey, Amber and Trina. Better luck next time ladies.16 down, 14 to go! Let's do this.

Monday, January 19, 2015

My favorite morning routine includes sitting down, with my steaming hot cup of coffee and reading all the blogs I follow. It's one of my favorite parts of the day. The blogs I read are written by some of the wittiest, hilarious, smart woman and I thought I'd share their blogs with you. Here are the blogs I read, in no particular order!

Saturday, January 17, 2015

In case you missed it, half of America is experiencing a Polar Vortex. Omaha cancelled school for wind chills of -25, Minnesota had wind chills at -54, and even Florida is experiencing low 30 degree temps. Denver is not safe from the cold, while we’re not getting -50 degree weather; we’re definitely getting our fair share of snow, cold air and dreary skies. So what’s a girl to do when it's 28 degrees outside and snowing? I've got some ideas, here are 9 ways to beat the winter blues.

Plan a vacation. What’s better than looking up pictures of white beaches, blue oceans and salty margaritas? I’m so excited that we’re currently planning our honeymoon. It makes these bitter cold days better when I know I’ll be enjoying the sunshine soon. More on that to come!

Start a new TV series. Adam and I just started watching Sons of Anarchy (I know, could we be later to the game?). It is so good, and don’t even get me started on Jax Teller. I highly suggest House of Cards, Game of Thrones, Scandal, Breaking Bad, Friends (ON NETFLIX PEOPLE), The Wire or Homeland. Grab a cozy blanket, head to the couch and settle in for a long Netflix marathon. PS. New House of Cards starts February 27 and Game of Thrones starts April 12!

Prepare a meal, bake a cake,do anything that requires you to turn your oven on to 350 degrees.I promise, once you get moving, the snow outside will be the last thing on your mind, instead it will be focused on the chocolate cake (or my paleo chocolate chip cookies) you have baking.

Get a spray tan, grab a new bikini (they’re always on sale in the winter) and make yourself a Pina Coloda.What’s the Corona motto? Find your own beach? I use Rodan and Fields spray tanner and it’s the best.

Read some new books. I love getting lost in a good novel. Robe, slippers, a glass of red wine and a good book? Count me in; I’ll see ya when the snow melts! If you want some good book ideas, come on back when I debut all the books I currently have sitting on my nightstand (and really need to read!)

Learn something. I don’t really care what you learn, but get a new hobby. Learn Spanish (on my list), learn how to knit, do pottery, take a photog class. Take advantage of not being outside and do something inside!

Embrace the snow! Head to the mountains (I highly suggest Breckenridge, Vail or Keystone)! Grab your skis, grab your friends and a warm jacket and hit the slopes. I promise it will make the cold weather so much better as you zip down the mountains.

Stop drinking pumpkin spice lattes. I’m sorry ladies, but time is up. It’s no longer fall and lattes are no longer cool. It’s time to embrace other hot beverages. May I suggest fireball & hot chocolate? It’s delicious and the whiskey will warm ya right up!

Online shop. This one is tough for me as I’m currently saving up for a honeymoon (see #1), but what’s better than scouring the internet for scarves, boots and jackets only to have them arrive on your doorstep 5 days later? This one combines my two passions, sitting on the couch and shopping.

Stay warm out there people. It looks like it’s going to be a longer winter!

Friday, January 16, 2015

When I first moved to Denver, I was studying for the bar and didn't have a job. Needless to say, the days got pretty long and boring. Adam would walk in the door at 6pm and I would bombard him, so happy to have someone else to talk to besides Henry.

After only a few days of this, I decided to join Pure Barre. I'm sure you've heard about it, since it's sweeping the country. I bet you've also heard rumors that it's "like ballet" or "only for girls." Well, let me tell you something, it is hard work. I've been a loose-definition of the word athlete my whole life. I "run" I "hike" I stay in shape, but this workout kicks my butt. I highly suggest it. The teachers are incredible, sweet, smart and so strong! I've made great girlfriends from it, and at the end of the hour, I've never felt better. Granted there are times when I'm 'tucking,' that I want to scream in pain, but it's well worth the workout.

But with great workouts come great thoughts. I got this great idea after reading a blog, written by a guy, on his first experience with PB. It's hilarious you should read it. My two good friends are also PB enthusiasts and with their help I've come up with 21 thoughts everyone has during one hour of Pure Barre.

Is being completely uncomfortable and in pain for almost a full hour really worth it? What if I just swapped out food for ice chips for a few days instead?

Wait, what's going on? I'm lost.

10 seconds has never felt so long in my whole life.

Don't you dare come out of that thigh... The feeling of coming face to face with death is only fleeting.

Why are there three sets of thighs? Last I checked I only have 2 thighs so where's the rule that there are no more thigh workouts then you have body parts?

Wow, these woman are beautiful. How do they all look so amazing after sweating for an hour? Her body is banging. Did you see her diamond ring?

It's just not natural for my leg to be raised as high as my hip, and extending straight off my hip... God didn't intend for humans to ever be in that position.

How do people get their leg so straight? Mine looks like I'm bending it on purpose.

This resistance band is so strong. Why oh why do we have to use this?

Who picks which song is played when? I am about to lose it when it’s 12 minutes of straight techno during thighs, and then an amazing song comes on for 30 seconds while we stretch before switching back to techno!

Sex.

I didn't know I had muscles there. This is going to hurt like hell tomorrow.

I just don't think I can go on from the warm-up... that was good enough let's call it a day.

Seriously, WHERE is the final 10 count? Okay, here it is, now WHY IS IT SO SLOW

Rock up to seated after the final stretch? More like roll over and try to pull myself off the carpet.

I'm starving.

But seriously, I carry a 12 pound purse every day, how can I not hold these 2 pound weights?

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Attention: I've officially outdone myself. I know I say this a lot, but this has to be one of the best meals I've ever made and it was so easy! Here's the recipe from Simple Roots Wellness and below is my recipe (I just added a couple more veggies!).

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds flank steak, sliced thinly into strips

1/2 head bok choy

3 cups mushrooms, quartered

coconut oil

1 tablespoon minced garlic

half onion, sliced

green onions, sliced

Beef Marinade

1 tablespoon tamari sauce

1 1/2 teaspoon arrowroot powder

black pepper

Sauce

1/2 cup tamari sauce

2 tablespoons honey

1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

2 tablespoons arrowroot powder

How to Make:

Cut beef into strips and place in a bowl. Mix together with marinade ingredients and let sit for 10 minutes - 1 hour.

While the meat is marinating, slice the bok choy, cut the onion, cut the mushrooms and slice the green onions.

Mix sauce together and set aside.

Heat skillet over medium heat, add coconut oil. Once hot, add the meet. Cook for 2 minutes on each side. Don't overcook (or it will be chewy!). Set the meat aside

When meat is done, add garlic, mushrooms, onions, green onions and bok choy. Cook until veggies are at desired tenderness.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Another week, another episode of the Bachelor. This week did not disappoint. Same story, different girls getting drunk, crying and making out with Chris. Without further ado, my 13 thoughts while watching the bachelor.

Chris, a half zipped hoodie with no shirt under it? You don't really wear things like that do you?

Decision of the day: coffee or mimosa for your first morning in the bachelor house?

Outdoor shower? In a house down the driveway? You are asking for drama Chris Harrison.

Poor Kimberly. Wait. This is unfair and unjust. How dare Chris add one more girl to a group of 20? Boo Kimberly.

On a scale of 1-drunk, how drunk is Tara going to be this episode.

Those lashes are not real. I'm looking at you Ashley I.

Mackenzie, zzzzzzzzz.

She thought the date card was just a note? Seriously. Next.

I suggest not giving Ashley S. a gun ever, even if it's just a paintball gun.

Jordan. Weed waker? You can never talk about that in reference to a girl or her hair...down there.

Ashley S. What are you doing? No. Stop talking about Mesa verde? Chris. Make it stop.

Chris likes to kiss. A lot.

Okay, the fall is one thing, but the embarrassed laugh was the best part of that rose ceremony. Jillian, you win girl of the night.

Britt, I'm still rooting for you.

Who are all of you pulling for? The virgin? The widow? The mother? Tell me your thoughts?

Monday, January 12, 2015

Attention: These chicken wings are delicious. I got this recipe from B (thanks, B!) and they are so delicious. They're fairly easy to make and were a hit! I highly recommend these for your next tailgate! Here's the original recipe and mine is below! Enjoy!

Ingredients

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup coconut sugar

1/4 cup soy sauce (or fish sauce)

2 tablespoons lime juice (1 lime)

2 tablespoons Sriracha

2 cloves garlic, chopped

2 pounds chicken wings, rinsed and dry

Directions

Simmer the water and sugar in a sauce pan over medium heat until it turns a deep amber, about 10-15 minutes.

Mix the soy sauce (or fish sauce), lime juice, chili sauce, and garlic and carefully add it to the pan, then heat until the caramel dissolves.

Marinate the chicken wings in the sauce for 30 minutes to overnight.

Place the chicken wings on a rack, on a foil lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400F oven until golden brown and crispy, about 25-30 minutes.

Meanwhile place the marinade in a sauce pan and simmer over medium heat to thicken, about 7-10 minutes.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

As you may know burgers are a staple around here. We eat them at least once a week; hamburger, bison, turkey, chicken, we like them all! But these burgers people, these are probably the best yet. They were pretty easy, quick to cook and so delicious.

Friday, January 9, 2015

One of my (serious) New Years Resolutions is to slow down. For the last couple months (or 6) I feel like I've been running through life. There is so much going on, so much to do and so many people to see. For 2015, I want to make sure when I'm doing all these exciting things; wedding plans, babies being born, that I'm doing it all with great intention. I don't ever want to look back on something great and think, "wow I wish I would have enjoyed that more instead of looking to what's next."

I saw these quotes on one of my favorite blogs, Peanut Butter Runner, and I thought they were so applicable to my resolution. I want to stop. I want to enjoy life. I want to remember all these great life events. 2015 has so much to offer and I don't want to miss one moment of it. Here's to slowing down, looking around and paying attention to all these wonderful things going on around me. 2015 is going to be great.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Happy Thursday everyone! Only 2 more days until the weekend and I can't wait! To help get you through the next couple days, I've teamed up with some ladies to bring you some red. $150 to Target, to be exact! What could be better than $150 to your favorite store, post-holidays? I can already see all the nail polish, shoes, books and random house decor I would buy with $150!

I don't know about where you live, but Denver has been cold and super snowy the last couple days. While it's awesome because it means skiing is just an hour away, it makes the trek to work less than enjoyable. My solution? Slow cooker mushroom soup, mmhhmm. This recipe is not paleo, but I attempted to make it paleo. Here's the original and below is my version. I hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:

24 ounces white mushrooms, cleaned, dried, trimmed and quartered

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

2/3 teaspoon dried thyme

2 small lemons, halved

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

salt and pepper

1/2 cup dry sherry

2 cups coconut milk

1 cup almond milk

3 cups chicken stock

How to Make:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, place mushrooms, onion, garlic and 2/3 teaspoon thyme.

Squeeze lemons into the bowl and add the lemon halves. Add olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper and season to coat.

Transfer to a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and spread an even layer.

Roast mushroom mixture for about 15 minutes. Drain liquid and set aside.

Return mushroom mix to oven for another 30 minutes.

Remove lemons and discard. Transfer mushroom mixture and liquid to the crockpot.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Appetizers are hard to come by in the paleo world. They're either bacon wrapped around something or cold vegetables. When I found this recipe, I was so pumped. We made this New Years Day and served it with veggies (cold veggies) and it was so delish! I highly recommend this for your next party - I bet no one even notices its paleo! Enjoy!

Ingredients

Version 1 (no cheese)

2 (14oz) cans artichoke hearts (mine were in brine), chopped

16oz frozen spinach

1 cup cashews, roasted and unsalted

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Version 2 (with cheese)

all of the ingredients above

2 ounces goat cheese at room temperature

How to Make:

Version 1:

Add frozen spinach and artichokes to large saucepan over medium heat and sprinkle with just a bit of salt.